Just checking back in on the thread. Regarding the flying thing and anecdotal accounts, when I fought in Brazil I did notice that there was some water retention (a couple of lbs maybe, hard to judge what would be "normal" due to my fluid intake). It's likely to do with pressure and very salty foods in general terms, though I didn't partake in the food personally because of that. If you take in water, you'll get heavier same as anyone, flying or otherwise, but it might stay on you for a day or so longer than it normally would. But you can't gain what you don't eat/drink - it's not a magical substance that your body ingests from the air when flying, and the body will readjust.

You have to prepare for it and follow the right protocols on the flight with regards to food and drink to minimise the effects, especially if you're weighing in shortly after. It sucked but it was nothing unexpected and I still had to cut the weight regardless. It certainly doesn't help you on something as drastic as a water cut though.

Haha, yeah I don't claim these to be anything other than fan votes and public opinion. That's just for December by the way. We restarted them too late (September I think) to do the year as a whole, but we will in 2014. Not that anyone will care.